ICC statement on New Delhi ODI

ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat explains Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process.

Emirates Elite Panel Match Referee Alan Hurst today issued the following statement after the fifth and final ODI between India and Sri Lanka at the Feroz Shah Kotla ground in New Delhi was abandoned on Sunday.

The match was called off with Sri Lanka 83-5 in 23.3 overs after electing to bat first." The decision to abandon the match was taken by myself, in consultation with the on-field umpires Marais Erasmus and Shavir Tarapore, and both captains as it was clear that the pitch had extremely variable bounce and was too dangerous for further play.

"I'd like to commend the on-field umpires and captains for continuing as long as they did in the hope that the pitch may settle down. Unfortunately, this did not happen.

"Before abandoning the match, consideration was given to shifting the match to a secondary pitch. However, it was deemed impractical as the secondary pitch was not adequately prepared."

The match was called off with Sri Lanka 83-5 in 23.3 overs after being put into bat by the home side.

ICC's Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process is attached and also available at http://www.icc-cricket.com/rules_and_regulations.php.